Alkass Digital
The countdown has begun for the start of the Arab Cup 2021, which will be held for the first time under the umbrella of the International Football Association (FIFA), over a period of 19 days, from November 30 to December 18. The competitions will be hosted in six of the 2022 World Cup stadiums, among them are Al Bayt Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, which are scheduled to be inaugurated on the first day of the tournament.
The tournament will constitute a golden opportunity to improve the operational plans and readiness of facilities for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, about a year before the start of the first edition of the World Cup competitions in the Middle East and the Arab world.
Six of the 2022 World Cup stadiums will be decorated to host the Arab Cup 2021, whose competitions will start with the participation of 16 Arab teams from the continents of Asia and Africa.
The two venues to be unveiled during the event will be Al Bayt Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. Both will be inaugurated on 30 November the opening day of the tournament to join the five Qatar 2022 stadiums whose readiness was previously announced, namely Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Thumama.
Designed to replicate a giant tent structure historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the region, the stunning Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening match, where it will be inaugurated with a special opening ceremony, the venue, which will be the largest stadium used during the FIFA Arab Cup, will also stage the final on 18 December.
Constructed using shipping containers and modular blocks, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will set a new standard in terms of sustainability for mega-event hosts, the venue will stage six matches during the FIFA Arab Cup, including the first game of the tournament and the third-place play-off. It is the first fully-demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history, After 2022, its parts will be repurposed into sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas.
This distinguished sports edifice is considered the first stadium that can be completely dismantled in the history of the World Cup, as it is scheduled to be dismantled after the curtain falls on the 2022 World Cup competitions, and its parts will be used to develop sports projects in Qatar and the world.
Inaugurated during this year's HH the Amir Cup final, Al Thumama Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup. Its design is inspired by the gahfiya a traditional headpiece worn by men across the region, the 40,000-capacity stadium is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be designed by a Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah.
Home to Al Rayyan Sports Club, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located adjacent to the Mall of Qatar, it was inaugurated last year, when it hosted HH the Amir Cup final 2020, the 40,000-capacity venue will host group stage matches during the FIFA Arab Cup.
Surrounded by the region's top universities, Education City Stadium will benefit the needs of students and faculty as part of its legacy plan, the venue will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup. Earlier this year, the stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup final between Bayern Munich and Tigres UANL.
After the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the World Cup stadium will become a sports, entertainment and service destination that meets the needs and aspirations of all members of Education City's universities and institutes.
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, Al Janoub Stadium's faade was inspired by traditional dhow boats, which were traditionally used for pearl diving, a former cornerstone of the Qatari economy, located in Al Wakrah, this architectural gem will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup.
For the first pan-Arab tournament to be held under the FIFA umbrella, Sixteen of the Arab worlds top national teams are set to meet in Qatar, it will witness 32 matches over 19 days, and the tournament schedule provides the opportunity for fans to attend more than one match in one day.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 will not only showcase the region's passion for the beautiful game, it will also serve as a vital opportunity to test operations and facilities ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup are now available at FIFA.com/tickets, From mid-November, tickets will be available for purchase over the counter at the FIFA Venue Ticketing Centre located at Doha Exhibition Centre (Al Qassar Metro Station).
All fans will be required to have an approved Fan ID application number to enter the State of Qatar and the FIFA Arab Cup stadiums. All fans will be required to collect their physical Fan ID smart card from the Fan ID Service Centre.
The Fan ID is a smart-technology identification card designed to provide fans with the ultimate experience in Qatar and will serve as a means of identification and provide access to tournament stadiums in combination with a valid match ticket.
Fans travelling from abroad can use their Fan ID to enter Qatar multiple times provided they carry a valid passport recognized by the State of Qatar. It will also provide ticket holders with access to a number of services and benefits relating to transport, tourism and others.
Fans should apply for their Fan ID once they have paid for their match tickets and have received their ticket application number by email. Fan ID applications can be submitted online via the host country entry portal website (FAC21.qa).